Why Mental Health is Important to Me as a Student and How I Advocate for It As a student, I've come to understand that mental health is the cornerstone of our overall well-being and success. Our mental state profoundly impacts every aspect of our lives, from our academic performance to our personal relationships. It's the foundation upon which we build our productivity, efforts, and the ability to navigate the complexities of life. Mental health is particularly crucial for students like myself, who face a unique set of challenges. The pressure to excel academically, maintain social connections, and plan for the future can be overwhelming. When our mental health suffers, it affects our ability to concentrate, retain information, and perform to the best of our abilities. Moreover, poor mental health can lead to a cascade of issues, including decreased motivation, social withdrawal, and even physical health problems. Recognizing the importance of mental health has been a personal journey for me. As a mental health professional specializing in perinatal mental health, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact that mental well-being can have on individuals and families. This professional experience has deepened my understanding of the critical role mental health plays in our lives, not just as students but as human beings navigating various life stages and challenges. My advocacy for mental health extends beyond my professional role. This year, I participated in the 2024 Maternal Mental Health Advocacy Day, where I shared my personal story for the first time. I spoke about my struggles with pregnancy loss and the dark period I experienced in its aftermath. During that challenging time, I acutely felt the need for more support and resources. This experience not only shaped my personal and professional path but also strengthened my resolve to advocate for better mental health support systems. As a doctoral student, I've chosen to focus my dissertation on maternal mental health. This academic pursuit allows me to contribute to the field in a meaningful way by amplifying voices that are often unheard and unseen. Through my research, I aim to shed light on the experiences of birthing individuals who face perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I believe that the more we discuss these issues openly, the more we can break down stigma and ensure that resources reach those who need them most. I use my professional platform to raise awareness about perinatal mental health in my local community. This includes organizing workshops, participating in community events, and collaborating with local healthcare providers to improve access to mental health services for new and expecting parents. I am also a board member with Postpartum Support International. Additionally, I strive to be a supportive presence for friends, family, and colleagues who may be struggling with their mental health. By fostering open conversations and creating safe spaces for people to share their experiences, I hope to contribute to a culture that prioritizes mental well-being. In conclusion, mental health is important to me as a student because I recognize its fundamental role in our ability to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. My advocacy for mental health, particularly in the realm of perinatal care, stems from both personal experience and professional commitment. By continuing to speak out, conduct research, and support others, I hope to contribute to a world where mental health is given the attention and resources it deserves, enabling individuals to lead fuller, healthier lives.

In 2013, I held my stillborn son in my arms, a moment that forever changed the course of my life. The weight of his tiny body, so full of unrealized potential, left an indelible mark on my heart. This profound loss, which I initially thought would break me, instead became the foundation of my mission to support others facing similar challenges. It was in this darkest hour that I found my calling – to transform my pain into purpose and help other families navigate the turbulent waters of perinatal mental health. How do I give back currently? As a board member for Postpartum Support International (PSI), I dedicate my time and energy to spreading awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Our organization provides a lifeline to those struggling with the often-overlooked challenges of maternal mental health. We offer education to healthcare providers, support groups for parents, and resources that range from informational literature to crisis hotlines. Every day, I work alongside passionate individuals who share my commitment to ensuring that no parent feels alone in their journey. This year marked a significant milestone in my personal journey of advocacy. For the first time, I gathered the courage to share my story during Advocacy Day. Standing before lawmakers and fellow advocates, I laid bare my experiences – the pain, the healing, and the hope that has grown from both. My testimony, along with those of others, helped secure vital funding for resources to support birthing individuals. This achievement reinforced my belief in the power of personal stories to drive systemic change. The impact of our work at PSI is tangible. I've witnessed the relief in a new mother's eyes when she realizes her feelings of anxiety and depression are not a personal failing, but a treatable condition. I've seen partners gain the tools they need to support their loved ones through postpartum challenges. Each small victory – a parent seeking help, a healthcare provider recognizing early signs of distress – fuels my passion to do more. Looking to the future, I plan to expand my impact through my doctoral studies in maternal mental health. My goal is to contribute meaningful research to the field, exploring innovative approaches to prevention, early intervention, and treatment of perinatal mood disorders. I aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, developing support systems that are accessible, effective, and compassionate. By combining my personal experience with rigorous academic pursuit and active involvement in support organizations, I strive to create a more understanding, supportive, and resourceful environment for those facing perinatal mental health struggles. I envision a future where comprehensive mental health support is an integral part of perinatal care, where stigma is replaced by understanding, and where every parent has access to the resources they need to thrive. Through this work, I hope to ensure that no parent feels alone or unsupported in their journey, just as I once did. My son's brief life has become a catalyst for change, and in honoring his memory, I find the strength to continue advocating for those who need it most. This is how I give back today, and how I plan to positively impact the world in the years to come.

Mindset is everything! That's the slogan of my newly filed LLC. I will take you to where this all began. As a child, I had severe anxiety. I cried every day at school, it was hard to make friends, and I often experienced health issues that I had no clue why. I often felt alone, scared, and nervous at school and in public places. What is now known to be social anxiety, the younger version of myself, believed that something was wrong, and there was no answer or solution to this problem. I am also a first-generation Hispanic American, and anxiety did not exist in my family or culture. So I didn't know how to or where to start when discussing what I was experiencing. Mental illness wasn't discussed, and "only crazy people" got help. The hard truth is that many people still think this way. My experiences and background have brought me to the belief about the importance of mental health and the importance of exploring different theories and approaches in the helping profession. I went on to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in counseling and have focused on working with minority families about the importance of mental health and trauma. I have enjoyed talking to people about mental health awareness at health fairs and resources. I believe in how much our mindset has on our quality of life and the importance of seeking help. Seeking mental health support does not mean you are crazy. Therefore, if we hope to have healthier children/families and contributing members of society, we must focus on mental health. Taking care of my mental health has brought me a greater understanding of self-love and personal development. Unfortunately, I have had healthy not so healthy relationships. Still, I have learned what is essential in a relationship and how to have more beneficial relationships while not sacrificing my mental health. I am very cautious about who I allow in my life because nobody is worth more than my peace of mind and mental wellbeing. I've learned that if I can take better care of myself, I will be better able to take care of the people I love and put forth more energy into doing the things I am passionate about. I hope to instill the message of "you can't pour from an empty cup." We can't have lasting healthy relationships and attain all the important things if we can't prioritize ourselves. As a mental health therapist, I strive to bring more awareness to mental health in my community and be a mentor, educator, and coach to the clinicians providing these services. In addition, I am very passionate about minority communities and providing advocacy, support, and resources to families with limited resources. My work has inspired me to further my education, and I will be starting my doctoral journey this summer. I strive to be a change agent in my counseling/counselor education field and bring more valuable tools to individuals who need mental health services. I am optimistic about where I'm going and how I will help others. My mindset is everything!

Happiness is embracing that life is a gift and never taking anything for granted. On Thursday, March 3, 2022, life changed. I got a call from a friend telling me that my childhood apartment building had exploded, and my friend asked me if my mom and brother were ok, given that they live next to where the gas pipe had exploded. I was shocked. Friendly Garden Apartments in Silver Spring, MD, was my childhood home to provide a little history. The place built a lot of fond memories, from getting my first pet (cat) to becoming a big sister to celebrating birthdays and graduations. I lived in 2405, Apt T-2, for over 25 years, and no matter where I moved, it was always the one place I called home. Thursday mornings, I work at the office. My Thursday routine consists of taking my 5-year-old son to my mother's apartment so she can watch him and put him to school while I am at work. However, that day fate took over, and I accidentally fell asleep, which delayed my entire day. My mother decided to come to my home instead that morning to help out, and my brother joined her. The explosion happened at 10:30 am that day. I know my life could've been very different today. I would have been grieving the loss of the people that are everything to me at this moment. Happiness is never taking life for granted. Happiness is embracing every moment. Even when hope is lost, your strength is challenged, and your perceptions change. God is beautiful. Life is beautiful, and the people I love are even more beautiful. Yes, my family lost their possessions, but no lives were lost. With that said. I am happy, and I will forever be grateful for them.